Impacted Wisdom Teeth – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the back of the mouth and typically emerge last among adult teeth. Most individuals have four wisdom teeth – two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw.
These teeth often become impacted when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for them to develop normally.
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they can cause several problems:
- Pain and discomfort
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Increased risk of dental issues
Even when not causing immediate symptoms, wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly. This makes them more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease compared to other teeth.
Dental professionals typically recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain or other dental issues. Some dental experts also suggest extracting symptom-free impacted wisdom teeth as a preventive measure to avoid potential future complications.
Signs of Wisdom Tooth Problems
When wisdom teeth get stuck under the gums, you might not notice any problems at first. However, these teeth can cause several uncomfortable symptoms when they become infected or push against other teeth.
Your gums may become red, swollen, or tender. Sometimes they might bleed when you brush. You could feel pain in your jaw or notice swelling in that area.
Other common signs include bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing, a strange taste in your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth fully.
When to Visit a Dentist
If you feel pain or discomfort behind your back molars, don’t wait to get help. Make an appointment with your dentist right away. These symptoms often mean your wisdom tooth is causing problems that need professional attention.
Causes
Wisdom teeth become impacted when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for them to emerge properly. These third molars typically appear between ages 17 and 26.
While some people have enough room for wisdom teeth to align correctly with other teeth, many don’t.
When the mouth is too crowded, wisdom teeth can’t develop normally. Impaction happens in two main ways:
- Partial impaction – the tooth partly breaks through the gum.
- Full impaction – the tooth remains completely hidden under the gum.
Impacted wisdom teeth grow in several different directions:
- Angled toward the second molar
- Angled toward the back of the mouth
- At a right angle to other teeth (appearing to “lie down” in the jawbone)
- Straight up or down but trapped within the jawbone
The jaw size and tooth arrangement vary from person to person. Some people have naturally smaller jaws that can’t accommodate these final molars.
Evolution may play a role too, as modern diets require less chewing, potentially reducing jaw development compared to our ancestors.
Risk Factors
Several factors can cause wisdom teeth to become impacted. The main issues include:
- Limited jaw space – not enough room for teeth to grow normally.
- Blockages – objects that prevent teeth from coming in properly.
These problems stop wisdom teeth from emerging as they should.
Complications
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to several problems in the mouth. These issues may require treatment if they become severe.
When wisdom teeth push against neighboring teeth, they can damage the second molars. This pressure might also cause crowding of other teeth, potentially requiring braces or other dental work to fix alignment problems.
Fluid-filled sacs called cysts may develop around wisdom teeth. These cysts can harm the jawbone, nearby teeth, and nerves. In rare cases, tumors may form. While usually non-cancerous, these growths might require removal of tissue and bone.
Decay Risk Factors:
- Difficult cleaning access
- Food trapped between gum and partially erupted tooth
- Bacteria buildup in hard-to-reach areas
Partially impacted wisdom teeth face a higher risk of cavities compared to other teeth. Their awkward position makes proper cleaning challenging, allowing food particles and bacteria to accumulate.
Impacted wisdom teeth also increase the likelihood of developing pericoronitis, a painful inflammatory gum condition. This occurs because the area around partially erupted wisdom teeth creates perfect hiding spots for bacteria and food debris.
Prevention
Regular dental visits are key to managing wisdom teeth before problems occur. While you cannot prevent an impaction completely, early detection through routine care can help avoid complications.
Dental professionals recommend scheduling checkups every six months. These regular appointments allow dentists to monitor wisdom teeth development through examination and X-rays.
Updated dental images can reveal potential impactions before any symptoms appear.
Some factors that may help reduce complications include:
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene
- Following your dentist’s specific recommendations
- Not delaying recommended extractions
- Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments
Your dentist may suggest preventive removal of wisdom teeth if they determine a high risk of future problems. This decision typically depends on several factors:
| Factor | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Age | Younger patients often recover more quickly |
| Tooth position | Angled teeth have a higher impaction risk |
| Available space | Limited jaw space increases complications |
| Oral health history | Past issues may suggest preventive action |
For adolescents, dental professionals typically begin monitoring wisdom teeth development around ages 16-18. This timing allows for intervention before roots fully form, potentially making extraction easier.
Remember that prevention extends beyond just avoiding impaction. It also includes preventing secondary issues like gum disease, adjacent tooth damage, and infections that can result from problematic wisdom teeth.
